December 3, 2021 - In this issue:
Mayor's Message
Covid Update
Kingston Snowflake Festival Tonight!
Kingston Farmer's Market: Winter Market
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
A Message From Mayor Steve Noble:

Dear Friends,

The 2022 budget process is coming to a close next week. The Council has held a series of budget meetings with City department heads (you can watch the meetings here) and will vote on my proposed budget on Tuesday.

This budget proposes adding 23 additional full-time positions across City Departments - 3 new Police officers, 5 DPW staff, 4 new Parks & Recreation employees, and project managers to see through some of our huge investments like the major renovation at Dietz Stadium. I have also proposed a Chief of Staff position to administer the American Rescue Plan Act funds, to ensure that the City's $17million will be capably managed in the best possible way for our community.

I believe that by investing in our staff, who worked bravely through the pandemic, and by paying these workers a living wage with salaries that attract qualified candidates, and by expanding services for our residents, the community will see exponential benefits - from park maintenance, to snow removal to public safety. See all the highlights of the proposed budget here.
 
Even with these vital investments and expanded services, the tax rate will decrease. The tax levy will remain at $17,650,940 for the seventh year in row. Both homestead and non-homestead rates will decrease. I hope you'll take a look at the budget and give us your feedback! You can email Council members at commoncouncilcomments@kingston-ny.gov with your comments.

As always, I want to thank the department heads and the City of Kingston Comptroller for all their hard work on making this budget a reality. We're all looking forward to a productive and fruitful 2022.

-Steve
Covid Update

There are currently 878 confirmed Covid cases in Ulster County and 97 in Kingston. There have been 302 deaths across the County, which is up 9 in the last two weeks. That's a devastating number. We are facing another wave here in Ulster County, especially as we go into the winter holiday season. We all want to be with our loved ones this time of year, so I urge everyone to please get vaccinated and get your booster shot as soon as possible.

Visit the Ulster County Vaccine Resource Center for more info and to make an appointment.
Snowflake Festival Uptown Tonight!
Kingston ushers in the holiday season with the return of the annual Snowflake Festival tonight, Friday, December 3 from 6-8pm in Uptown Kingston. Mayor Noble will light the Christmas tree at 6pm to kick things off!

This is a free community event for all ages with an array of holiday-themed performances, exhibitions, entertainment, and open stores offering treats and warm beverages to all visitors.

For more info and a map of the festivities, visit: https://kuba.network/snowflake/
Kingston Farmer's Market: Outdoor Winter Market
Shop locally at the Kingston Farmer's Market Outdoor Holiday Markets on December 4, 11 and 18! The Kingston Farmers Market will be in the County Courthouse parking lot Saturdays 10am-2pm with the Made In Kingston Artists and Makers Market! For vendor info, see https://kingstonfarmersmarket.org/

Stay tuned for indoor dates at the Senate Garage in January and February.
Mayor Noble's Tuesday Radio Show
Mayor Noble's weekly radio show airs on Tuesdays at 5:00pm on Radio Kingston and the City of Kingston Facebook page.
 
Click below to hear Mayor Noble talk with DPW Superintendent Ed Norman and Director of Communications and Community Engagement Summer Smith about the new Snow Emergency procedures.
Sent on behalf of:
Mayor Steven T. Noble
845.334.3902
mayor@kingston-ny.gov
The purpose of this newsletter is to share important information, project updates, pictures and news from the City of Kingston. For more detailed information, visit: